Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for large vessel disease, claimed as coronary artery disease, has been reopened. The RO granted a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD from November 22, 2010 and denied all other claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a respiratory disorder, to include asthma. The VA examiner concluded that there was no nexus between the veteran's active duty service and her current conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The appeal for increased rating for diabetes mellitus was withdrawn.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of cataracts, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are not.

The Board granted service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, left knee injury, hypertension, and residuals of frostbite of the left great toe. The Veteran's other claims were also addressed.

The Veteran seeks a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected hypertension. The most recent VA examination was conducted more than five years ago and is therefore inadequate to assess the current level of severity. A new VA examination is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for independent living services under Chapter 31 of Title 38, U.S.C., due to his current service-connected conditions and lack of feasibility in achieving a vocational goal.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at U-Tapao Airbase in Thailand, and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his heart disability.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of a decision denying service connection for heart disability and hypertension due to herbicide exposure because there was no final decision to review on CUE grounds.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during, within one year of, or as a result of his military service. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not related to active military service including Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, and GERD due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service connected as it did not manifest during or within one year of his service and there is no evidence linking the condition to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are currently rated at a combined evaluation of 90 percent, and the case is being remanded for further development to determine if they preclude his participation in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as PTSD, depression and insomnia, are etiologically related to his active service. The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise with that against the claim for service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing via videoconference. The issues of service connection, increased rating for PTSD, and special monthly compensation are still pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his occupational impairment due to service-connected disabilities and an opinion on whether he can secure substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and a medical examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension is found to be incurred during his active military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.